The Old Republic 1.2 'Legacy' update arrives in April

A new 1.2 update for Star Wars: The Old Republic called 'Legacy' is expected to hit next month, featuring new high-level group content and a number of updates.

The second major content update for MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic is slated to go live next month. The pending 1.2 update called 'Legacy' will include new high-level content for groups, the new 'Legacy System,' and more robust UI customization options, in addition to the requisite gameplay fixes and combat optimization tweaks.

The 1.2 Legacy update will include "new high level group content and community-requested features including PvP Warzone Rankings and Guild Banks, along with enhancements to the game's innovative Legacy system," notes the official press release.

The Legacy update also brings with it the 'Legacy System,' which allows players to link the characters they've created into a common family tree. Legacy-only abilities are can be unlocked and shared, and new characters can be customized "by unlocking different species from any class in their family tree." Legacy bonuses will also benefit from the moral alignment and affection of companion characters.

Player-owned spaceships are due for some extra conveniences, and will be getting things like "an on-board mailbox and Galactic Trade Network terminal" installed, thanks to Legacy.

Of course, it wouldn't feel like a real update without some fresh missions for folks to play. Details from the official press release are included below.

Flashpoint: Lost Island continues the Kaon Under Siege Flashpoint from Game Update 1.1 – Rise of the Rakghouls. Players must survive a menacing island of mystery on Ord Mantell as they hunt for clues to the Rakghoul virus outbreak that ravaged the Tion Hegemony. But the answers to this riddle may prove fatal!

Operation: Explosive Conflict sends groups of eight or sixteen Imperial or Republic players to a new zone on the planet of Denova, where traitors and mercenaries are selling the rare explosive mineral baradium to the highest bidder. Players will battle through hordes of Droids, mercenaries and deadly creatures all fighting for control of the planet and its valuable resources.

Warzone: Novare Coast pits two teams in an epic battle to control multiple mortar locations and use them to bombard vulnerable enemy bases. Like the Huttball Warzone, Novare Coast can be played Republic vs. Empire or with players of the same faction fighting each other in a thrilling contest of wills to determine each side’s greatest champions.

The 1.2 Legacy update might not be hitting until April, but BioWare has also decided to launch a "Friends Trial" program, that begins today. It lets subscribers of Star Wars: The Old Republic dole out up to three seven-day free trials for the game to their friends.